Neat Blue, Not Stirred

Assuming that you drink alcohol (and I apologize if you don't and feel left out), I have a question: Have you had a sip of blue yet this summer?

By blue, I mean "Stoli Blueberi," the latest flavor from Stolichnaya vodka. "Blueberi" joins the party with its other infused siblings including "Vanil," "Razberi," and "Strasberi."

Gina Chersevani, the bar minx at Rasika, recently turned me onto the stuff when I couldn't decide on a cocktail.

My entire party couldn't get over the intense blueberry flavor. It was enough to spur me into action and pedal over to my nearest liquor store. After a few rounds of the stuff with a few different tasting partners, the consensus is that "Blueberi" is just what the cocktail doctor ordered.

Like plain vodka, the blue stuff is best served chilled. I've tried it with sprigs of mint and club soda on the rocks as well as neat all by its blue lonesome. Blue or blackberries would be a heavenly garnish, and I'm thinking how much fun "Blueberi" lemonade could be this weekend.

From the tasting gallery: "It smells like grape Kool-Aid which is setting you up for a syrupy-sweet kiddie drink, which it isn't at all. I don't like vodka, but this is really smooth, and I'm surprised by how much I like it. "

As part of its marketing launch this spring, Pernod Ricard USA, the company that owns Stolichnaya and countless other spirits, asked for drink recipe submissions that included "Blueberi." Although the submission date has expired, the company has begun online posting of recipe entries that are up for grand prize consideration in August.

Got a blue experience to share? Or maybe you have another favorite...Share your thirsty thoughts in the comments area below.

Comments

wow, I will definitely have to find a bottle and try it out! On a different note, I would love a great ceviche recipe (and bonus if it includes shrimp and cilantro). Love the stuff but never made it, and Kim, you always have the best recipes!

Posted by: gaiagirl | July 20, 2006 2:58 PM

Actually i prefer the good ol' KF beer dude !
But will try out the new drink u mention the next time !